Energy issues are usually floating around amidst the myriad of thoughts in our heads especially this time of year as vacation season approaches and historical price increases occur.  Events of the recent past have finally resurrected interest and development of viable alternative energy systems like wind, solar and bio-fuels (biodiesel from algae is one I am keenly interested in) as green transportation energy sources.

After last summer’s dramatic price swing in the cost of crude oil and refined products, America and the rest of the World’s interest in alternative energy options swung almost as dramatically.  Although the interest in alternative energy decreased during the last quarter of 2008 and earlier this year (mainly related to the economic woes across the globe), we are fortunate it did not die off completely.  Perhaps the reality of fossil fuel limitations (both natural and imposed by the producers) has finally sunk in so alternative energy projects can continue development and ultimately implementation.

I came across a news report today summarizing a report of substantial progress by diesel engine manufacturers in drastically reducing the emission of particulates, CO and NOx compounds over the last half decade.  This change was in response to new diesel engine emission standards set by the U. S. EPA that went into effect in 2007.  It was reported that most manufacturers had not only met but greatly reduced emissions below the standards.

Just think …. diesel engines not puffing out plumes of black, sooty, smelly smokes each time they drive down the road (or at least far less of it) …. COOL!

If the diesel engine companies can continue to further reduce emissions and alternative energy companies can develop a non-petroleum source of diesel (like aquatic algae a.k.a. pond scum fuel), we may be on the way to seeing a significant change in how we power our transportation needs!

Regretfully it’s not quite as easy as that since the biodiesel from algae (pond scum fuel) is in the latter stages of R&D. A few of those companies claim they could be producing substantial quantities of biodiesel within a three to five year period with continued support and resources.  It seems to me this is an area of upcoming alternative energy development deserving attention and support …

Here are the links to a few sites with additional information:

Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study (Diesel Engines)

Biodiesel from Algae (Pond Scum) by Valcent/Vertigro

University of New Hampshire Biodiesel Group